For sixteen years Professor Michael Alec Rose has taught a Vanderbilt course called “Beethoven and the Beatles,” motivated by the simple idea that great art knows no historical boundaries. Ludwig and the Fab Four make their music in beautifully analogous ways, designing their song structures through similar principles of economy, logic, and irrational instinct. Another thrilling correspondence between these Classic and Rock ‘N’ Roll masters is their shared devotion to the musical traditions that inspired them in the first place. Rose will discuss these various connections and even draw comparisons with one of William Shakespeare’s sonnets.